Patent GB-1334071-A (GB)
Title: Process and apparatus for preparing and cutting out decorated shapes form webs of flexible material
IPC: D05C9/06
Filed: 1970-08-26
Abstract: 1334071 Handling thin material R REICH 26 Aug 1970 [27 Aug 1969] 41119/70 Heading B8R [Also in Divisions G3 B6 and D1] Webs of textile, plastics, paper or A1 foil are processed in a programmed ordered sequence controlled by a programme controller 15 using punched cards or by a plurality of controllers individual to each or a group of processing devices and using duplicate punched cards. The web is conveyed in step-by-step motion, and registration for the distinct processes is ensured by holding the material taut both laterally, by anchoring spikes at each side attached to web feed conveying chains which may either serve one device or pass continuously through several stages, and longitudinally using spiked rollers, or pairs of rough surfaced rollers at the leading and trailing edges of each web area. The web is also treated with a stiffening size, ultimately removed, by nozzled spray device 9 and drier 10 to assist registration. The web may move through a plurality of devices, for example, a repairing device (4, Fig. 1c), finishing device (6), printing device (5) in common steps or a web storage device 2 may be interposed enabling independent stepping on either side of it, transfer feeders 8 (Figs. lb, 1c, 1d) helping to control the stepping and to keep the web taut between stages. The material may be cut at 8 so that discrete web areas are stored. The feeders 8 serve to disengage and engage the longitudinal tensioning rollers if the conveying chains serve only one device, and correlate the stepping when required. The punched cards have one column corresponding to each device, and replica cards may be used for either side, respectively, of a storage device 2. A system of photo-cells may help in the programme control. Ratchet adjusters provide manual control for web registration. As disclosed, the following stages, which may be on several levels, are employed. Embroidering machine, 1, automatically providing a pattern, for example as in Fig. 3 (not shown), on the web. Perforating device (3, Fig. 1b) which may employ cylindrical or conical heated pins which weld the edges of holes by rotary action, or square drills, or flat needles to separate the weft and warp of textile webs for a Toledo effect. The pins may be surrounded by a jacket to form a nozzle projecting coloured substances giving the holes coloured edges. Material may be evaporated off using quartz-halogen or laser light. There may be vacuum removal of waste material. Clusters of holes of different diameters may thus be produced for decorative effect. Dressing device, having spray tubes with nozzles, which are individually controlled electrically to provide programmed decorative effects, the depth of penetration being adjusted via the spray pressure, and infra-red heating devices. Repairing device (4, Fig. 1c) wherein soiled areas can be treated with spray pistols emitting a spot remover solvent, and a flexibly mounted sewing machine can repair incorrect or missed embroidery. Etching device (11, Fig. 1b), wherein wet or dry etching agents remove some or all of the web between embroidered areas, the latter remaining immune. Printing device (5, Fig. 1c), wherein electrically controlled, programmed nozzles of small diameter apply colour in variable depths, or a sheet of paper coated with colours is applied to the web, a heated platen causing colour transfer to the web. The colour tint of the web can thus be changed. Fixing and drying may take place in the printer, or a separate drying device (13) provided. Bonding device (14, Fig. 1d), wherein a second web of material may be applied to the undersurface of the web, providing a material suitable for brassieres. Inspection device (not shown) to detect and mark faults.  Web separation device (not shown).-Individual webs may be derived from the main web by pulling separation threads out of the main web, and attaching them to a rotating winding board, the resulting webs being continuously rolled. Web cutting frame (not shown), using mechanical, chemical, thermal means, or visible light. Cutting device (7, Fig. 1d).-Shapes are derived by cutting along a set of non-intersecting outlines (Figs. 2, 3), using as many electrically heated vertically oscillating needles as there are shapes in a transverse row, or visible light. The frame may move rather than the cutters. An embroidered outline may act as a mechanical guide for cutting knives, the thick edge deflecting the cutting blades. Finishing device (6, Fig. 1c).